The Bombay cat breed is a medium-sized, muscular cat that should be neither cobby nor rangy in type. They are surprisingly heavy for their size. Everything about this animal is coal-black, from the tip of its nose to the tip of its tail and to the pads of its large round paws. The Bombay was developed to resemble an Indian leopard or panther, known in most other places as a jaguar. The most dramatic characteristics of this cat are its glossy black coat and its big, brilliant golden eyes. It has aptly been called the “patent-leather kid with new-penny eyes.”

There is nothing sharp or angular in any aspect of the Bombay’s appearance. Its head is large, rounded and pleasing, tapering to a strong, short muzzle. The Bombay’s ears are broad, slightly curve and medium in size. Like its eyes, its ears are set widely apart, giving it an alert expression. The tail of this breed is straight and should never be kinked. Bombays have short, dense, extremely fine coats that lay flat and close to the body. They require little grooming. Many Bombay kittens are born with subtle tabby striping, which disappears as they develop. Like most kittens, the eyes of baby Bombays are often blue at first, and later turn grayish. When fully mature, their eyes are a striking gold or deep copper in color.